Urban Decay launches Tinder-style augmented reality lipstick app

Make-up brand Urban Decay has launched an app that uses augmented reality to help shoppers find the perfect shade of lipstick.

The Vice Lipstick app allows customers to apply 100 shades of lipstick to an uploaded image of themselves. Similar to dating app Tinder, users can then swipe right to ‘like’ the shade or left to discard it.

Meanwhile, ModiFace has integrated its technology into Facebook Messenger to create the world’s first virtual beauty advisor.

The firm is using chatbots – computer programmes that mimic conversation with people using artificial intelligence – to discuss colours, brands and shades with customers who message ‘ModiFace’.

ModiFace allows customers to virtually try on products by uploading a selfie into Facebook Messenger. Users can then purchase their favoured shade directly from the bot, which connects to beauty retailers’ websites.

“We believe conversational interfaces are a great fit with shoppers interested in getting beauty advice easily on the go. I expect that this will be the first of many steps to expand and improve what is possible for consumers through a chat interface,” said Parham Aarabi, founder and chief executive of ModiFace.